Citizen Advisory Alert
February 10th 2000
Stand Up And Be Counted:
The United States Constitution mandates a census every 10 years. The
Census Bureau, under the U.S. Department of Commerce, conducts a complete count of every resident in the nation making the census one of
the largest and most complex undertakings in the nation's history.
The census not only affects where and how many U.S. Representatives each
state is apportioned but it also affects the flow of funds for federal,
state, and local programs and projects. State and local governments use
the information to fund new schools, public buildings, highways, police
and fire departments. The census also helps businesses identify markets,
trends, and customers. Businesses use the information to determine where
to locate shopping centers, banks, movie theaters, etc. Your
participation is therefore vital not only to ensure your representation
in the U.S. Congress but also so your community receives government
funds and attracts businesses and economic development.
The Census Bureau can not share your answers with anyone. They can not
give or sell your address to anyone. All census workers are sworn to
secrecy. They face a fine and a 5-year prison term if they give out any
information they see or hear. Your answers are combined with others and
a statistical summary is then published. No one can connect your
answers with your name or address.
It's easy to fill out the form. Answering the questionnaire will help
your community. During Hurricane Andrew the Census Bureau was able to
aid in the rescue by providing estimates of the total number of people
in each block.
Stand up and be counted. Don't be left out - participate in the
census. It's important for our community.
The Technology Outreach Program Solves Business Problems with
Space Technology - Free of Charge!
Launched in Clear Lake Area in November 1998, the Technology Outreach
Program (TOP) is designed to speed the transfer of space technology into
the private sector.
The TOP allows small businesses to receive up to 40 hours of free
technical assistance from experts in the space and educational
community. Interested business owners work with the TOP executive
director in developing a "Request for Technical Assistance" that defines
the problem and outlines steps already taken to resolve the problem.
Once the form is submitted and accepted, the TOP team evaluates the
request and assigns a special project team that works with the business
owners, searching through NASA's vast technical resources for a speedy
solution.
Since its inception, the TOP has assisted multiple small businesses in
various fields. One recent example locally is Aircraft Belts, Inc. (ABI), a Kemah-based company that is a worldwide leader in aircraft
safety restraints. Through the TOP, ABI worked with NASA engineers who
gave their technical expertise on how to safely and efficiently test the
aircraft seat belts manufactured and repaired by ABI.
The Technology Outreach Program is sponsored by NASA/Johnson Space
Center, the Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation, 17 key
aerospace contractors, as well as two community colleges, a university
and the City of Houston.
For more information on the TOP Contact Cathy Kramer
Ph 281-486-5535 Fax 281-486-5068 Cathy@claedf.com
I'm planning a Town Hall Meeting in April or May with TOP so that many
small businesses in Galveston County may take advantage of this outstanding program. If you know of anyone that might be interested,
have them contact my office.
Also early voting is Feb. 28th to March 10th and election day is March
14th. Early voting has moved in League City The County Annex at 174 Calder Rd. Check my page for locations and times.
These updates can also be viewed on the county's website:
www2.co.galveston.tx.us./commissioners.
E-mail clarkk@co.galveston.tx.us
174 Calder Rd., League City, TX 77573
REMINDER:
If you know of any one that would like the Alert, please send me their
name, address, phone #, and the fax # or email address.